Almond peeling: why is it needed and what problems does it solve?

Oddly enough, to rejuvenate facial skin, one often has to resort to violating its integrity. We are talking about scrubs and acid peels that have an abrasive effect on the upper layer of the epidermis and further promote skin regeneration and cell renewal.

Unlike other, more aggressive options, almost anyone can perform a gentle almond peel at home. We will tell you more about the procedure itself and how to make it as safe as possible below.

Almond peeling

What is almond peeling and mandelic acid?

In the classic version, almond peeling is a delicate chemical procedure during which the facial skin is treated with a composition based on mandelic acid. Due to its low degree of penetration, it gently affects skin cells without damaging them too much.

The acid is produced by heating black almond oil and hydrochloric acid. The nutritional components of almonds in this combination enrich mandelic acid and give it excellent properties:

• Cleansing and disinfection : acid cleanses the skin, eliminates comedones and fat deposits in the pores, dries out inflammation. It is known that before the discovery of antibiotics, healers resorted to salts of mandelic acid to treat infectious diseases.
• Rejuvenation : slightly injuring the skin, mandelic acid promotes the production of new collagen fibers and smoothing out fine wrinkles, and also destroys keratin in dead cells, causing peeling and, as a result, regeneration of a new layer of skin.
• Cosmetic effect : in addition to the above-mentioned elimination of blackheads, this substance lightens freckles, age spots, evens out post-acne marks, eliminates oiliness and mattifies the skin.

Benefits of Mandelic Acid

• Protection : almond oil is rich in antioxidants, so the acid based on it enhances metabolic processes in the skin and increases cell resistance to UV exposure and other harmful environmental factors.

The principle of operation of almond peeling is that as a result of the penetration of the product into the skin cells, mandelic acid begins to stimulate the natural processes of metabolism, renewal, restoration and protection, thereby solving many cosmetic problems.

Indications for use

Almond, unlike other acid peels, can be used for high sensitivity, thin skin, rosacea and even in adolescence.

So, the main indications for the use of peeling with phenoxyglycolic acid extracted from bitter almonds:

1. Problem skin with pimples and acne;
2. Excessive sebum secretion, resulting in clogged and enlarged pores;
3. Decreased skin tone;
4. Hyperpigmentation;
5. Irregularities caused by post-acne, small scars;
6. The first signs of aging (wrinkles, dull complexion, etc.);

Advantages:

POSSIBLE from 16-17 years old according to doctor’s recommendations.

POSSIBLE in summer.

• Age up to 25 years. A course of procedures is carried out to treat oily and problematic skin once a year, or one-time sessions monthly.
• Age 25-30 years. 2 sessions per year in the off-season are enough to activate skin reserves and slow down aging.
• Age 30-45 years. It is recommended to carry out a course of five procedures with further monthly repetition of 1 peeling session to prevent and reduce the signs of skin aging and for deep cleansing.
• At the age of over 45 years, it is necessary to take into account the condition of the skin (thinning and hypersensitivity) and precede the course with 2-3 single sessions per month. This will prepare the skin for stronger manipulations.

Benefits of almonds

The nut contains an acid of the same name, which has a beneficial effect on the epidermis. It has a number of positive properties:

• prevents the appearance of new rashes;
• nourishes the epidermis without clogging the pores;
• gives the skin a healthy glowing appearance;
• eliminates light expression wrinkles;
• has antiseptic properties;
• lightens age spots and smoothes out acne marks;
• tightens aging skin.

Thus, peeling cleanses the skin of dead cells, improving its regeneration and restoring the water-alkaline balance.

What medications are needed for the procedure?

Today, the easiest way to carry out almond peeling at home yourself is to purchase ready-made kits for this manipulation.

Such kits include special products for cleansing the skin before acid exposure, the acid itself and skin care after peeling, as well as detailed instructions for correctly performing the procedure.

Or you can buy mandelic acid of the required concentration at a pharmacy or professional beauty salon and use it along with your usual cleansing and post-care products. However, it is safer to trust the professionals and opt for a line of products from one manufacturer.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Cosmetologists generally speak positively about the procedure.

The specialist believes that almond peeling is highly effective at a minimal cost, and the result is not long in coming.

The cosmetologist notes that such peeling can be done at any time of the year. According to the specialist, the procedure eliminates age spots and has a beneficial effect on the epidermis.

The cosmetologist believes that almond peeling is suitable for people with problem skin, as it has an antibacterial effect and dries out active inflammation.

Preparation

The first thing you need to start preparing for peeling is an allergic reaction test. To do this, apply a drop of acid to the crook of your elbow. If there is no burn, itching or other unpleasant symptoms, you can safely begin preparation.

Pre-peeling preparation

The duration of this stage is from 1 to 2 weeks and consists of gradual adaptation of the skin to the effects of mandelic acid. In this way, the risks of unwanted effects are minimized, and the dermis becomes more susceptible to peeling.

During the entire preparation period, it is necessary to apply a cream containing mandelic acid from 5% to 15% to the skin before going to bed, depending on the type and sensitivity of the skin.

Use a light exfoliation gel based on fruit acids a couple of times a week. Again, in product lines from the same brand you can find a gel based on the same mandelic acid. It is important not to use cream these days.

In the case of home peeling, pre-preparation should never be neglected. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to avoid the negative consequences of a chemical skin burn on your own. Even experienced cosmetologists will not always agree to do almond peeling without this stage.

Cost of sessions

As with other self-care activities, doing almond peeling is quite expensive. Its price depends on the location, choice of products, and the assistance of a beauty clinic employee. The cost in the salon is much higher than at home: one visit costs about 6,000 rubles, and you often have to pay extra for the preparatory stage, various creams, masks. But an experienced specialist gives a guarantee and monitors the condition of the skin. Moreover, you can get a discount for paying for the entire course at once.

You can do it at home cheaper, the main thing is to choose the right product. If you want to save money, you can buy proven drugs on the Internet, but only if the supplier is trusted and provides certificates. Then the price will drop by almost 2 times, and you won’t have to pay for the work. In addition, it is difficult to find products on sale that can cause significant harm: they are all gentle and suitable for home use.

Step-by-step instruction

• 1. Cleanse the skin.

Using lotion, remove cosmetics from your face; if you have cosmetic milk with mandelic acid, complete the cleansing procedure by wiping your facial skin with it.

• 2. Steam the skin.

Cover your face with a damp, warm cloth. As a result, the pores will open and the acid molecules will penetrate deeper into the epidermis layer.

• 3. Tone the skin.

To tone and disinfect the surface of the skin, treat it with tonic with 10% mandelic acid.

• 4. Pre-peeling.

Treat the skin around the eyes, nostrils, lips and eyebrows with Vaseline (to protect the skin and pigment from the acid solution). Prepare skin for acid application with a low percentage formulation of 5% mandelic, lactic and glycolic acids.

• 5. Peeling.

Rules for applying almond peeling
Without washing off the pre-peeling layer, apply the acid evenly to the face with a brush, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep for 1 to 15 minutes. Usually the duration is specified by the manufacturer, it depends on the type, color, degree of sensitivity of the skin and existing problems. Be sure to follow the instructions and watch the timer!

The acid concentration should be selected based on the task assigned to the peeling:

• to cleanse sensitive skin and for the first independent experience, stop at 10% acid;
• for light peeling and slight lightening of pigments, drying out acne, choose 15% mandelic acid;
• for experienced girls who want to eliminate serious skin defects, 20% is suitable.

We do not recommend making peeling mixtures yourself. This means adding other fruit acids, such as citric acid, to enhance the whitening effect. This is the prerogative of specialists and is available in every good beauty salon. At home, work with what the drug developers have prepared for you.

• 6. Neutralize the acid. Wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in a solution of fruit acid neutralizer. You can cook it yourself. To do this, mix boiled water and soda in a ratio of 1:4. There may be a slight burning sensation. This soda neutralizes the acid. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• 7. Moisturize the skin.

Finally, apply a soothing mask to your skin. You can make it yourself using chamomile decoction and aloe pulp, or use a care product from the manufacturer of mandelic acid.

The main rule of home peeling is not to overdo it. Neither with time, nor with the number of layers of acid applied.

Answers on questions

Why did I get acne after almond peeling?

The appearance of acne after phenoxyglycol exfoliation is not considered normal and indicates either non-compliance with the protocol and violation of post-peeling care, or hormonal imbalances in the body. The second reason is much more common. Endocrine disorders in this case become a provoking factor for disruption of seboregulation of the skin weakened by peeling.

In addition, acne may appear due to an allergic reaction caused by the components of the exfoliant. Another cause of painful rashes can be simple failure to comply with hygiene rules during the procedure.

Almond, glycolic or milk peeling – which is better?

Phenoxyglycolic acid has all the qualities of fruit enzymes, but if we take the same concentrations of these substances as a sample, then, other things being equal, almond peeling acts more delicately, practically does not cause side reactions and is suitable even for sensitive and thin dermis. In addition, phenoxyglycol exfoliation is safe for dark skin and can be performed during periods of high solar activity.

If we talk about milk exfoliation, it is not much different from almond exfoliation. The procedure also does not cause photosensitivity, that is, it can be performed in the summer and is completely safe for people with dark skin. True, lactic acid has a smaller molecule, so it penetrates tissue more easily and is more likely to cause allergies. Lactic acid should not be used for rosacea.

Each of the peelings discussed is good in its own way. Therefore, only a specialist can decide which one is better, based on the condition of your skin and the expected effect.

Who is recommended for 40% almond peeling?

Almond exfoliation can be used not only to brighten and smooth the skin, but also for rejuvenation purposes. It is in this case that a 40 percent acid concentration will be most effective. In addition, an exfoliant with a high content of active substances copes better with acne, providing an antibacterial effect. The higher the concentration of the solution, the more powerful the antimicrobial effect.

Is it possible to do peeling during menstruation?

Most cosmetologists agree that it is undesirable to perform acid exfoliation during menstruation. At this time, blood clotting noticeably deteriorates, which can lead to persistent redness of the treatment area and even the development of hematomas. There is also a more frequent occurrence of edema.

Many women say that a session performed during menstruation is characterized by unpleasant sensations, while procedures performed at other times are not painful and without significant discomfort.

What are the contraindications to the procedure?

Even taking into account the fact that phenoxyglycol exfoliation is the most delicate and gentle, not every woman can do it. There are a number of contraindications that limit the use of peeling.

Among them:

• exacerbation of the herpes virus;
• hypersensitivity to exfoliant ingredients;
• wounds and damage in the exfoliation area;
• fresh tan;
• recent laser skin treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not always a contraindication to almond cleansing. A weak concentration of the solution is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the health of the expectant mother and baby. Still, pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before the procedure.

Home Recipes

Of course, here we are not talking about independent mixtures with mandelic acid, but about light peeling scrubs containing almonds. This is an affordable and safe way to cleanse your facial skin.

Option 1. Almond peeling scrub with oatmeal.

You will need 1 tablespoon each of ground almonds and oatmeal. Mix them with warm water until smooth. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes, rinse with massage movements.

By adding milk powder 1:1 to the mixture and replacing water with fresh sour cream, you can use this scrub for dry skin without the risk of damaging it.

Homemade peeling scrubs with almonds

Option 2. Peeling scrub with almonds and eggs with honey.

On cleansed skin, apply a mixture of 1 yolk, 1 teaspoon of ground almonds, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tbsp. spoons of camphor alcohol. After 10 minutes, remove the mask, it will come off as a film, wash with warm water.

Skin care after peeling

An equally important stage of home peeling is post-procedure care. The results and the possibility of developing complications largely depend on this.

Ensure that the cleansing is as gentle and non-traumatic as possible. Foams and gels without abrasive elements are suitable for this.

Moisturize the skin, preventing tightness and cracks - they cause inflammation. For this purpose, such special products as Bepanten, Traumeel, a small amount of cosmetic grape seed or argan, as well as any fatty creams are suitable.

For the first few days, apply special creams with UV protection to your skin. It is advisable to give up decorative cosmetics for a while.

Contraindications and possible consequences

Contraindications for the almond peeling procedure include:

• allergy to components;
• purulent formations on the skin, herpes, open wounds on the face;
• viral diseases accompanied by fever;
• papillomas, warts on the skin of the face;
• skin diseases (psoriasis, etc.);
• diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Since almond peeling is a mild and controlled chemical burn, if performed incorrectly, the following consequences may occur:

• hyperemia or redness of the skin; can be removed using soothing masks;
• burning; in this case, the acid must be washed off as quickly as possible;
• excessive peeling: usually found when treating sensitive skin; it is important not to tear off the resulting flaps of dermis, but to treat them with a moisturizer; in a few days regeneration will end;
• acne; if they do not go away 3 days after the procedure, consult a doctor; the skin may have become infected due to violations of the procedure or poor-quality cosmetics;
• herpes; the likelihood of inflammation increases after any peeling, so before cleansing the skin, undergo a preventive course of treatment.

Of course, these consequences can be avoided if you approach the procedure competently and follow it strictly according to the instructions.

Patient reviews

People have different opinions about almond peeling. Some believe that it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, while others believe that it is ineffective.

The woman notes that the procedure is suitable for aging skin. After it, the face becomes tightened and wrinkles are smoothed out.

The girl believes that almond peeling is suitable for evening out the overall tone of the face, but the effect does not last long.

Women say that the procedure has a beneficial effect on the skin: it becomes smooth to the touch.

The procedure did not suit the girl: new pigment spots formed, wrinkles did not smooth out, and at first the acne symptoms worsened.

Thus, almond peeling helps to get rid of many problems. To achieve a positive result, it is necessary not only to perform the procedure, but also to choose the right facial care.

Results, before and after photos

Remember that you can maintain healthy and youthful skin without the help of cosmetologists. The main thing is to take good care of her and not experiment with her.